I am glad that we were assigned to read this blog post. As future teachers I believe we need all the advice that we can get. I do feel nervous about my first classroom. I wonder if my students will like me. Will they be able to learn from me? Mr. McClung's post made me feel a little more at ease with the idea. I will not know everything when I step into the classroom, but that is okay.
I like the fact that Mr.McClung is willing to adapt to the classroom. I agree that instruction needs to be audience driven. What good is it to stand in front of a class where no one is paying any attention to you. Also, things won't always go your way. As teachers that is something we need to get used to. Not everyone learns the same way.
Communication is definitely important in the classroom.It is essential to know what is on students' minds. Also, students should feel comfortable enough with their teachers to talk to them.
I definitely will take the advice of not being afraid of technology. I am not afraid of computers, but sometimes it can be a little difficult learning something new. I have learned that repetition makes things easier. I also know I will never know everything, but there are people out there that can help.
I also will never stop learning as Mr.McClung suggests. Unfortunately, I have had instructors that just insist on teaching the same old way that they are used to. I hope I never become that way. I want to keep my students interested and exposed to new technology. As an teacher I need to be willing to keep up with the times.
I was assigned to follow Joe Dales's Blog Integrating ICT into the MFL Classroom. When I first went to the page I was wondering what ICT and MFL. I found out that ICT stands for information and communications technologies. MFL stands for modern foreign language. I'm not a foreign language major but, I learned quite a bit from Joe Dale's page. I learned that you could get an online generated newspaper on Twitter. I actually found this very helpful because I'm still not that comfortable using Twitter yet. This way I can read what's going on in a more organized way. I haven't taken a foreign language in ages, but using an online paper would be a useful tool in a foreign language class. It's not all that fun just using a textbook. Using something that is current makes learning a new language more interesting.
I also learned about editing Skype calls in Audacity after recording a call in Pretty May. I haven't had a chance to try it, but I will in the future. I will look in on this blog from time to time to see what new technology that Joe Dale is using.
Here is a copy of my comments made on Miss Walters class at Pt. England.The class had written sentence about their trip to Maungakiekie. It is a volcano that is over twenty thousand years old. It is also called One Tree Hill. This point of interest is part of Auckland's rich history. You can see the class blog page
I was really impressed with this speech. Not only was it very informative, but it was very inspirational. I really don't know anything about virtual reality, but I believe Pausch's beliefs and methods of teaching can be used in any setting.
I liked the fact that Pausch's students had to work in groups and that the people in the groups changed. I believe students need to learn to work with others as well as with people they do not choose to be with. In the work force most people have to work with others and most of the time we don't have a choice of who we work with. Group work allows students to get along with people and talk to people that they normally wouldn't under normal circumstances. It also allows students to share ideas with each other. Each student has something different that he or she can contribute to a group. When the end product is finished the group has something that they can all be proud of. They are not only proud of themselves, but they are proud of each other.
Pausch also said, "Give people time and they'll almost always impress you." I think that is a good statement for teachers to remember. When you are in the classroom the students learn at different levels. A student may shine right away or it may take months for another. A teacher should not give up on a student at any cost.
Pausch also said to enable the dreams of others. I believe that is one of the main roles of a teacher. Children have many dreams. Who knows that little childhood dream may turn into something spectacular in adulthood. Teachers need to be encourages, after all they are molding the future generation.
I probably can go on and on about this speech, but I especially like the positive attitude that Pausch had toward life. I believe as a future educator I need to have a positive attitude. There will be many brick walls ahead of me. Things won't always go my way. I will be criticized. Even though all those things will happen I need to learn from them and use all of those moments for something positive.
Richard Miller: This Is How We Dream Parts 1 and 2
I was impressed with this video. I liked the fact that Miller explained how he grew up and was taught with books. He shows that he didn't try to stick to the old way of learning. He actually learned and adapted with the times. He isn't afraid of change. I believe that is how all teachers should be like this. They are responsible for educating the future adults.
I like the way that Miller shows how the web can be used for sources of information or supplementary material for writing. It allows a writer to use a little more creativity and use tools to keep a reader's attention. Sometimes just reading words can be a little dry, but having a video, audio, or some type of visual adds interest.
Isn't it amazing how we were able to keep up with the presidential election this time? No more waiting on a news report. We are able to receive and send information almost instantly now. This is a great way for the world to communicate with each other. We can share ideas to a larger population. The possibilities are endless with technology.
The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler
Very interesting video. I actually was in a stand still in creating my own PLN and this video gave me some answers. This video also enforced the importance of creating a PLN. There is so much information that can be learned from others on the web, but at the same time we have to make sure our sources are valid.
I always had the questioned what the role of the teacher would be of a networked student. Now I have my answer. It is good to know that the teacher is still needed in a valuable way. Also, I think it is good to have students to be more engaged in their learning. I think what a student learns this way will stick more with them than memorizing out of a book. I admit when I took psychology and sociology classes, I just memorized facts jut to pass the class. I can honestly say that I really don't remember much about those subjects at all.
Unfortunately, I have to admit that I have been accustomed to having an actual teacher in front of me. The transition for me to an network only class is a little scary, but I am sure I can adjust to it. Thanks to this class, I am starting to get more out of the web than I ever had.
The Machine is (Changing)Us: YouTube and the Politics of Authenticity
This was a very interesting movie. I think it is interesting how the meaning of whatever has changed over the years. Wesch used some very funny examples.The change of the definition showed how people changed the way that they viewed themselves. Over time people have been more concerned about themselves instead of others.
I never really looked at YouTube as a way of collaborating with others in a constructive way. I have been so accustomed to using it for entertainment purposes, either a friend would send me a link or someone would post a link on Facebook. Yes, there is a lot of nonsense on there, but people can connect with people that they normally wouldn't under normal circumstances. You can watch a video of someone across the world and you can leave comments for them to read. I think that is a good thing. If you have a certain view or position about a subject, you can make a video and make it known to others. This may draw other people with your same views to you and who knows where you can go with that.
I related to the part on this video where people were beginning to use YouTube. I still feel a little foolish in front of the camera. I look back at videos and ask my self is that what I look like or is that what I sound like. I guess it just takes time to get used to being in front of a camera. It is true that you feel like you are talking to a camera and not to an actual person. That's what makes it a little easier.
I honestly never knew what a Person Learning Network was. I guess you learn something new everyday. I do know one thing that you can never say that your PLN is complete. It is something that needs to be updated as needed. At first I was stuck, I didn't know where to start. I just watched different movies on the internet about PLN's. I started to use Delicious to search and bookmark sites that were interesting and looked very useful. I also started to use my Twitter to find different people and groups to follow that were in education and technology. I also started to use Google reader for RSS feeds to certain blog pages. I think I am making good progress with my PLN and I am sure it will grow as time goes by.
Staton and Ferriter made some harsh statements against the Smart Board. Yes, the Smart Board in the wrong hands can be a useless tool. I feel it is up to the teacher to initiate the learning environment. I do believe that a teacher with little creativity can make teaching on a Smart Board boring. I don't believe the board enforces a teacher-centric model of learning, I think the teacher does that. If a teacher is used to just lecturing a class with little feedback, a Smart Board will be useless for their classroom. I had a chance to look at Teachers Love SMART Boards and saw some many useful ways that the SMART Board is being used. I can't even list all the applications I saw for the SMART Board. I saw everything from simple math games to science experiment demonstrations. I saw a tool where the board providing an excellent environment for interaction for special needs students. The tool was called SMART Response LE. Each student has a little handheld device and can answer questions during the lesson. The teacher can see how the students answer and this tells the teacher what areas need to be reviewed. The applications are endless, but it is up the the teacher to explore the tools available.
I know that having a SMART Board isn't the only answer to bringing technology into the classroom, but it is a start. Also, it shouldn't be the only method of teaching in the classroom. I still think there are some times when the teacher does need to be in front of the class explaining or demonstrating subjects. We can't expect the students to do everything by themselves. What would be the use of going to an actual classroom.
Well, I enjoyed watching EDM310 for Dummies. I was feeling the same way in the beginning of this class. I am really starting to appreciate this class even though it has been a lot of work. I may want to create a short video about the progression of technology through my lifetime. I find it pretty amazing all the advances in technology that have been made over the years and how quick it has been. I showed my daughter what an Atari game looked like the other day and she laughed. I laughed to how could I think that a game called Pong with no graphics be that fun. I remember what the first cell phones looked like. They were not stylish at all. I sometimes laugh with my friends about that one still. I know a few years from now we will be looking back at our laptops and think how did we survive using those things.
I had a chance to Kathleen McGeady's classroom blog at Leopold Primary School in Leopold, Victoria, Australia.We are experiencing summer here and they are experiencing winter right now. Miss Mcgeady's class has done lesson on winter. It was funny seeing that the students used Wordle when I had just learned about it in this class. I see now how it can be used in the class for brainstorming. The picture above was created by this classroom also. The raindrops are actually each students' individual poem about winter. The students were able to use creativity and worked together collaboratively. If you go to the actual blog, you can see where the teacher left questions for the students to respond to.
Below is Miss McGeady's response to my post which can be found at the link above.
@ Melissa, Thanks for your great comment. Wow, I am jealous of your 32 degree days and it is very cold here! Wordle is lots of fun to use! I look forward to checking out your blog. Best wishes, Miss McGeady
I guess I can say I learned a lot about podcast. I have never really been to familiar with them, but I have always heard about them. For one, I never knew that a podcast was like an actual radio broadcast.I think it is kind of neat how you can make a podcast via Skype and the people sound like they are in the same room. I also was not aware that so many people are using podcasts. It's great to see the students using it. They seem to be having fun while they are learning.I'm new to podcasting and this gives me a little reassurance. If an elementary student can do it, so can I.
Also, there seems to be many benefits of podcasting.It really seems like it enhancing the learning experience in the classroom. Like I mentioned earlier the students seem to be having fun. They are involved in teaching the other students.The students can share their learning experience with others anywhere in the world. In one of the videos, it mentioned that podcasts are a way for students to listen to school material while they are not in school. This is helpful if they are sick or if they just need some extra studying time. I have always found it better to listen to a lesson than to read it out of a text. I remember studying Shakespeare. I had a hard time reading it and struggled with Shakespeare. I found some tapes at the library that were word for word with the books and I found it easier to understand.
Eagles’ Nest Radio & Class Blog
I was very impressed with these students. I thought it was pretty cool how they acted out the parts of the historical characters. Sometimes history can be dull when you just read it straight out of a book. The students sounded like they really had fun. They were able to take an active role in their learning process. I'm sure they actually learned quite a bit just preparing for these podcast. I think it gives young children more incentive to learn facts when they know they are going to use it in a fun way rather than to just take a written test.
I also think it is great to get students used to speaking in front of others. Many kids are shy in school and rarely speak up. Podcasts give students practice in speaking in front of others. The more they practice the more confidence that they have. The students in these podcasts at Eagles' Nest Radio sound very clear and confident.
The Education Podcast Network
I found this site pretty interesting. It is a good place for teachers or anyone to explore various podcasts. I think this is a good starting place to go to before creating your own podcast for the classroom. Here you can listen to podcasts in various styles. I found it very helpful to listen to the various podcasts. Some were very formal and done by university professors and others were done by elementary students.
This site is also good for students to listen to check out. They can see what students in other countries are doing. It gives them exposure to other cultures other than their own. It also might encourage students to want to create their own podcasts.
The benefits of podcasting in the classroom
This video gave some very good reasons to podcast in the classroom and it convinced me. I find it very useful to have recorded lectures. I think most students would rather refer to a recording to study than to read. Also, if a student was home sick they would not miss out on material that the rest of the class received. The video also mentioned that parents could listen to the podcasts anytime. This gives parents' a chance to know what their child is learning rather coming to the school. Most parents work and are too busy to do a classroom visit.
This video also mentioned that children born after 1980 were "millennial" meaning they were born into technology. They are used to computers, video games, cell phones, and other electronics. I find that to be true. My ten year old daughter has always had some type of electronic device ever since she was a toddler. She played with dolls but, they never really kept her interest like the computer or video game system did. I have also notice that when kids have a chance to use the SMART board, they seem to get really excited to use it regardless of the subject. Technology seems to spark an interest in today's children.
Langwitches Blog
Once again it is shown that podcasting really sparks students' interest. They were eager to listen to the finished product. Like I mentioned earlier the teacher here said that even the shy students participated. She also shared the different skills the students addressed through podcasting. Students had a chance to work on listening skills, presenting, comprehension, oral fluency, and many other skills. I only wish podcasting was available when I was in elementary school.
I also like the fact that she had a Google map to track who had listened to the students' podcasts. I know the children must find it fascinating that someone across the world was able to listen to them. The children must feel very proud of themselves from all of the praise that they received in the comments. What a confidence booster!
Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff.Please? by Scott McLeod
Very cute, but effective poem. It's funny how we have all heard those excuses not to let children use computers.Why not teach children to use computers responsibly and in a useful way. I think the classroom is the best place for that. I think anyone can find trouble without a computer. We don't live in a perfect society and never have. I found out from Scott McLeod's bio that he is well known for his expertise in education technology for school administration. He is also the director at our nation's only academic center dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators called UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE. I find it sad that our country only has one center like this.
The iSchool Initiative
This student does have some good ideas. A student could access books and many applications from one place. There would not be any need for the typical school supplies such as paper, pencils, books, and calculators. Schools would be environmentally friendly. Parents could access their child's progress at any time. The main point to this iSchool Initiative is to save the schools money so that they do not have to make cuts that will negatively affect the students.
I agree with some of the ideas of the iSchool Initiative, but I have some objections. I did read a viewer's comment on the You Tube that mentioned going with a bigger device. I agree with that because it would be pretty aggravating to do all that work on such a small device. I did see a response to the comment that they changed their efforts to the iPad. Also, I don't think we should be solely dependent on one device to educate students. I think it would get boring for students to constantly use just one device to do all their work on. This video didn't address what the classroom environment would be like. Would there be any need for a student to even go to an actual campus for school? Would this idea actually save teachers' jobs or would more teachers be out of work. Also, how would our schools transition into this? I have too many questions and concerns to even say that I am for this initiative.
Watch The Lost Generation
At first, I thought what a grim depiction of the future, but then when the narrator started to read everything in the reverse direction it was the exact opposite of the earlier statements. I think this short movie shows us that we have control over our future. It is up to us to have values and make the right choices that will affect us and our future generation. Yes, if we just sit back and watch we may have a lost generation.
Eric Whitaker's Virtual Choir
This was a beautiful piece. I was amazed by this. I never realized a whole choir ensemble could be put together like this and so good. It's kind of funny we were assigned to watch this video because I was questioning can we use technology in performing arts without taking away from the experience. Well I think I have my answer.
Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today I watched this video and it is sad. The first time I took a college course was in 1993 and I see very little changes to college education. The most changes I saw were more modern buildings, newer computers, professors using PowerPoints to lecture, and improved cafeterias. Well, some professors have their own web pages, but they aren't interactive. Most of them just have contact information, the syllabus, homework assignments or study guides. I have taken some classes where I never opened the book. There were some classes where I did work that didn't pertain to the class. Overall, I never really participated in class unless it was mandatory. My education experience must sound horrible, but I did learn. I'm not trying to criticize my professors because I understand they are only teaching in the style that they were taught.
I think Wesch was pretty on point in this short video. I can't think of anything to add to the video. He made some very good points. The one sign in the film that made me think was the one where the student said they will be in debt after college. I don't think it is fair for students to pay for an education where they are not getting their money's worth.
"It's Not About the Technology" by Kelly Hines
Hi, my name is Melissa Jones and I am also one of Dr. Strange's EDM 310 students.I have read you post as part of my assignment and I find your point of view very interesting. We are living in a society where modern technology is stressed. There so much more to a good teacher than technology. Technology by itself is nothing unless it is used by the right hands. Teachers need to be enthusiastic about their career and be willing to continue to learn for improvement not just for credentials on paper. I have always found that my best teachers always had a passion in what they were doing. They took pride in their career and truly cared about the outcome of each and every students. A good teacher to me is willing to learn all that they can to help benefit their students. I also find those core outcomes from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills framework for learning very interesting. I will check out that website on my spare time. Thank you for your post and you can read my comments at My Blog.
Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher? This was an interesting post and may seem a little harsh to some. I don't believe Fisch was trying to criticize anyone for not being technological illiterate but, instead trying to make a point that many people are comfortable not learning anything new. Many people and teachers are complacent with where they are. An example of this was when Fisch mentioned that many parents said they were never good at math and not ashamed of it as if it was an acceptable thing.
The point that needs to be taken from this is that our world is always changing. Teachers need to be able to equip students for the future. How can they equip students for the future if they themselves are not willing to learn anything new?
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
It is amazing all the changes happening every second and the amount of money made each second through technology. The world around us is changing at such a rapid rate. I know as a teacher I will have to stay up to date on modern technology. I definitely do not want to be left behind. I know I have to constantly learn so I can prepare my students. I may be an elementary education major and I won't be required to teach the more advanced things that are required in higher grades, but I do believe that a good foundation in elementary school will carry students far in their futures.
I had a chance to follow Miss Jen Devenberg's blog page for the past few weeks. She is a fifth grade teacher in Southern Alberta, Canada. She is a winner of the SMARTer Kids Innovative Use of Technology Awards.
I was very impressed by the content of her blog page. I had a chance to learn a little bit about using Smart Notebook and the types of tools that can be used with it. Miss Devenberg also uses the Nintendo DS in her classroom. The children have a chance to work on vocabulary, reading, literacy, and problem solving skills. This is actually the first classroom I saw using the DS as a learning tool. Miss Devenberg also has set up blogs for her students. I think it is great that the students are learning how to use the internet responsibly. At the same time they can share their ideas with others and get feed back. I was also amazed that her class is also using videoconferencing to connect with other classrooms. Miss Devenberg posted that her class was able to share science experiments with another classroom. I'm sure both classes enjoyed the experience.
I thank Miss Devenberg for the information on her blog page. I hope I am able to be as innovative in the classroom as she is.
This movie was interesting to me. It makes you think about how technology has progressed over the years and how it is still progressing. As a society how are we able to keep up with all the changes? What will jobs be like in the future? What will our schools be like? What will students be required to learn in order to be successful in modern society? Will the United States be able to keep up with modern technology and education?
Fisch also made me realize how modern technology has improved communication. Information can be transmitted much quicker and to a larger population. Advertising can reach people all over the world. We can text message people instantly and get a quick response back. We don't even have to leave our homes now to meet a future spouse. It is amazing to see how many people have married as a result of online dating. Who knows what else will emerge in the future when it comes to modern technology.
Mr. Winkle Wakes by Mathew Needleman
This movie was cute and made a good point. The world around Mr. Winkle was modern and new to him except for the school. How is a school like that supposed to prepare a student for the workplace? Yes, students will know basic reading, writing, and math but, they will have no idea on how to use a computer or any other device. I feel it is much better for students to use computers when they are young.
Also, Mr. Winkle is like many of our older adults. Mr. Winkle was not comfortable around the computers and many of our older adults are not comfortable around them either. He is more comfortable without any modern technology just like many of our older adults are. I know you have all heard of someone say, "I'm too old for this," or "I don't need to learn this." Mr. Winkle does not want to adjust to the changes around him, he is comfortable with the old ways. Unfortunately, many people are content in the old way of doing things and do not want to adjust to the future.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
This was an entertaining piece with a serious message. It is true that most education systems do not allow any room for creativity. The core subjects are taught and students are pushed for perfection. I agree with Robinson that the education system forces students to lose their creativity. He said that if you are afraid to be wrong you won't come up with anything creative. I agree with that statement. How can a person come up with a new idea if they are just learning not to make any mistakes on the subjects that he or she is taught.
Another point that Robinson made was that the current education system was based on industrialization. The school systems were built to prepare students for the workforce. A bachelor's degree almost guaranteed a job, but now many graduates are unemployed. A higher degree is required for most jobs. Our education system is not on the same pace as the changing world. This makes me concerned with the future of education and makes me wonder what steps are educators willing to take to keep up the ever changing job outlook.
Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
I think it is great what Vicki Davis is doing with her students. She is just not standing in front of her students lecturing, but she is letting each student get involved in the classroom. Instead of her just standing in front of the class lecturing, she is taking an approach where everyone is involved in the teaching and learning process. The class very interactive. The students are not being taught to memorize, but they are actually learning. If they don't know information, they know where to find it. I feel that is more practical than memorizing. It is impossible to memorize everything, but it is possible to know where to look for answers.
Vicki Davis' class is in a rural area. Under normal circumstances the students would not be exposed to other cultures and children from around the world. Using modern technology her students are being exposed to the world around them. Students should know about other places firsthand, instead of reading about different cultures out of a book. The experience is more personal. I feel that this type of exposure broadens the students' minds to endless possibilities for their futures.
